Wind_dog - 13-5-2019 at 05:10 PM
So here is a debatable topic . . . .
My last buggy was a Flexi with long wide axle.
Very nice buggy, relatively light and easy to transport, and stable for my needs at the time.
I'm now dialing in a Libre Full Race but a bit unhappy with its current performance. Before I invest time and materials to tweak it, I am interested
in thoughts and ideas.
Running the same tires as the Flexi on the beach, the FR rear breaks out when the side pull gets moderate to strong. I feel it breaks too soon needing
counter steering and losing efficiency. The front fork is full extended to fit my legs. Steering under those conditions is good.
ALTERNATIVE TUNING STRATEGIES:
1) Some folks say increase the weight on rear axle by moving my seat back (I am almost 100 kilos)
2) And/or add weight to rear axle.
3) From my sailing and windsurfing experience, I think that the center of effort (kite pull) is too far to the rear so the rear breaks to easily, too
soon. A weather helm, in sailors lingo. To counteract that I should move the seat forward rather than backward.
4) Forward or backward there is not that much room to move the seat (unless a little means a lot.)
5) I think that adding extensions between the side rails and rear axle moves me thus the kites attachment forward and should balance things out. If
this approach is on track, how much of an extension is reasonable?
OK, please let loose . . . . .
Juan - 13-5-2019 at 10:29 PM
Sounds like you have long legs so that the center of effort is too far to the rear. I would try out extensions. I dont know the Libre ones, but they
should measure around 10cm.
What kind of wheels do you use and whats your tire pressure?
tomdiving - 14-5-2019 at 04:48 AM
i would be firing this message directly to the libre company and see what their thoughts are.
you have nothing to lose by doing this and may gain some very valuable insight, all for the cost of a couple of minutes of typing.
tom
BeamerBob - 14-5-2019 at 05:09 AM
I think you're on track with the extensions. This doesn't sound like too little weight on the rear axle.
Bladerunner - 14-5-2019 at 05:38 AM
Sandflea has some extensions. I am pretty sure you want to copy what he did. Not sure if you noticed? He used sqaure tubing.
Wind_dog - 14-5-2019 at 08:46 AM
Ok, think I have a plan:
All I need is some extensions.
That's all need.
And some Kenda Beach Racers.
Some extensions and some Beach Racers, that's all I need
And another PERFECT Sunset Beach weekend with West winds.
Some extensions, some Kenda Beach Racers and West winds.
That's all I need.
And more seat time.
Some extensions, some Kenda Beach Racers, West winds and more seat time.
That's all I need.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh-gB07JftY
Bladerunner - 14-5-2019 at 09:27 AM
Don't forget your chair. You can't go kiting without your chair.
eric67m - 14-5-2019 at 11:48 AM
This sounds a lot like my buggy. I set the goose neck so I could steer properly. When I got to riding when fully powered the back end would break
loose and I steer to correct, losing my line. I tried to move my seat back but a shorter person had my buggy previously and they cut the straps on
the front very short. I was able to move my seat back about 1/4". This helped and I can hold a line better now but it is a reach to turn tight. I
end up sitting back on long runs and scooting my butt forward when I need to turn tight.
I did make a set of weights over the winter and am also working on a set of brackets so they can be mounted between a wheel and 20mm axle. Rick you
are welcome to try them out during spring SOBB.
eric67m - 14-5-2019 at 11:50 AM
Wind_dog - 14-5-2019 at 08:08 PM
More info on extending Libre sides for breaking more evenly when lucky
enough to be in the seat with a good pull.
Libre does make "tuning kits" as 10cm and 20 cm extensions.
Also, Blitz sent pics of a couple other extenders.
Pics of all 3 styles shared here.
Wind_dog - 14-5-2019 at 08:14 PM
One more pic resized to upload.
eric67m - 14-5-2019 at 09:35 PM
On the silver adjustable style I have an incomplete set that is just the outer "female" sides. If someone has the other side you would have a set.
They are yours if you want them.
Wind_dog - 2-6-2019 at 06:30 PM
SOBB was fantastic again this year for so many reasons. Great winds, friends, food and fireside fun.
Perhaps best for me was help from the veterans getting my buggy tuned!!
We added 3 inch extender on the back axle and moved the seat up 4 inches.
The result was a perfectly balanced buggy that tracks how I want it. Thanks to all that helped!
RedSky - 2-6-2019 at 06:57 PM
Don't forget your special purpose.
eric67m - 2-6-2019 at 08:34 PM
I need to get my eyes recalibrated. I would have guessed that steel square stock was 2".
It's great that the balance is working better for you now.
I had a blast riding with you and everyone else at SOBB this last week.